It would appear that the village was founded by a tribe of Ligurian people, as the ‘asco’ suffix denotes, indicating a damp place with a plentiful water supply or many streams. The Romans also made their mark, as the remains of estates and villas dating from that period show. Roman dominion ended with the invasion of the Longobards and Franks, who left the Germanic name of Staffera. But the village really began to develop in the high Middle Ages.

This is the gateway to the Langhe area of Asti, the finest welcome that this land of vineyards and woodlands, towers and parish churches can offer those coming here from
Asti, Alba, Canelli or Turin. Cassinasco is the edge, the border, the boundary of the Langa area. Pilgrims come up here from the Belbo or Bormida rivers to visit the Caffi shrine, an unusual church with a vaguely oriental look, which dominates the panoramic ridge looking towards Loazzolo.

ONE PRODUCT: NOUGAT

In Cassinasco, where the ‘Tonda Gentile’ Langhe Hazelnut abounds, and where the honey preserves all the scent of the spring meadow flowers, the last genuine nougat maker of the Langhe lives and works. Until recently nougat and zabaglione were the only sweets known in the local farmhouses, and nougat in particular was a customary delicacy at fairs, the symbol of the holidays, and for the children, a much sought-after treat.